Melbourne, FL – North Greenville football dropped its third straight contest on Saturday after Florida Tech sent the Crusaders home with a 37 – 7 loss.

The Basics

Score: Crusaders – 7 | Panthers – 37

Records: North Greenville 4 – 5 [3 – 4] | Florida Tech 7 - 3 [4 - 3]

Location: Panther Stadium [Melbourne, Florida]

How it Happened

North Greenville’s first two plays from scrimmage resulted in a pair of turnovers as the Panthers picked up a Dashonnell Wright fumble and then picked off a Donnie Baker pass.

The two possession changes resulted in just six points as NGU’s defense was able to limit the damage.

NGU turned the ball over three times in the first quarter which resulted in 13 – points for the Panthers. Tech added another touchdown after a North Greenville punt to make it 20 – 0 at the start of the second quarter.

Florida Tech added two more scores in the second including a third field goal and a touchdown to make it 30 – 0 at halftime.

North Greenville’s first drive of the second half looked promising as Baker led the Crusaders 41 – yards on eight plays. EJ Humphrey capped the drive with a one-yard run leaving 9:34 on the clock.

North Greenville’s defense kept the FIT offense in check for most of the second half. The Panthers added a score late in the third frame but were held scoreless in the final 19 – minutes.

NGU’s offense was unable to take advantage of its second half opportunities save the third quarter touchdown.

NGU finished the game with five turnovers and punted on four of its six second-half drives. The Crusaders scored and threw an interception on the other two drives.

Inside the North Greenville Box Score

Donnie Baker led the NGU offense and finished 12 of 30 with 110 – yards through the air.

EJ Humphrey led the Crusaders with 64 – yards on the ground with a touchdown on 16 – carries.

Christian Bruce was NGU’s leading receiver with 39 – yards on three receptions. Demajiay Rooks had five catches for 36 – yards.

Zeke Stringer put together a career day on defense, racking up nine tackles including a career-high five for a loss with three sacks, also a career high.

Devon Turman had six tackles including three backfield stops while Brandon Burger led the team with 12 total tackles.

Johnny Worthy accounted for NGU’s only turnover, picking off a Florida Tech pass in the fourth frame.

Inside the FIT Box Score

Trent Chmelik finished with a game-high 178 – yards passing and was 13 of 18 with three touchdowns and an interception.